Ms Johnston is quoted referring to differences between the SDLP and ‘dissident’ Labour members in NI as saying

“We (the Labour party) are socialists they (SDLP) are not”.

Could I point out to Ms Johnston that a great British socialist Mr Tony Benn when answering a question, ‘Is the Labour Party Socialist?’, replied that “the Labour Party is not socialist but there are socialists who members of the party”.

I think as one of many socialist and social democratic members in the SDLP I think Tony Benn’s statement can be applied to myself and others.

Furthermore, when asked to comment on the Labour Party and the Blair years, Mr Benn’s response was: “We are paying a heavy political price for 20 years in which, as a party, we have played down our criticism of capitalism and soft-pedalled our advocacy of socialism.”

I look forward to seeing the NI Labour nailing their colours to the mast for a reinstatement of Clause 4 as Labour Party policy and the singing of the Red Flag at the end of their conference.

I would suggest: don’t slag off potential allies, this is a PR election after all and transfers will be important.